Wondering what kinda of grinders yall are using, wifey gave me the ok buy one so. Also which is better the one's that the disk is held on by a nut or the ones that have a shaft that locks into the unit.

If it matter I'll be using it for the basics, rust and paint removal.

 

Get yourself a Milwaukee or Makita. DeWalt are supposed to be decent also. When it comes to tools I would tell you to buy something decent. It will last longer and perform better.

 

I like this Hitachi, I have had a 4 1/2" like this one for a couple of years of hard use now.

I had a DeWalt it didn't last so long.

IMO for automotive use buy a 4 1/2" over an 8" every time.

http://www.toolbarn.com/hitachi-G12SE2.html

 

i use this about 80 percent of the time for finish grinding and cleaning up spots that will be prepped for welding.




i have a 4" makita, that i've beat the heck out of. however, it's hard to get good control over these when finish grinding. it's great for use as a cutoff tool and initially knocking welds down. i personally don't like it for removing paint. it spins too fast. and for removing rust? if you mean to cut the rust out then yes. i don't feel comfortable using this as a surface grinder on sheetmetal that i plan to keep. the slower 7" grinder with a disk is much better for that.

just my limited experience.

 

I have an 8" that i only use for frame grinding and a 4 1/2" high speed Craftsman that I use for everything else!

 

Just looking for something that will help clear out the old paint and gunk in the engine bay and off the bottom of the car. Im sure its just going to matter what kind of wheel I will use. I was told that I could use a wire wheel in the engine bay and rails and on the under carraige use a fiber pad on the wheel. Any of yall heard of this

 

I wouldnt use a wire wheel(even though i did).I would use the bristle type or the scotch brite type.The wire wheels can fling the wires and get everywhere including stuck into your skin.

 

An angle grinder is a great tool, and you do need one, but imo, for this kind of cleanup use Aircraft Remover, (not the "green" stuff though), it will cut through the grease, the grime, and the paint. Then touch up with some 80 grit paper and a scuff pad.

We did this in no time and it was easy.... There is no shame in doing things the "simple way" when the simple way works.

 

I've used a craftsman for almost for everything. I like the plug in type so my compressor doesn't run all day long. I also have a small angle grinder that runs off my compressor which is nice for smaller, tight area work.

 

Doing the same thing you are I used my craftsman 4 1/2" with a knotted wire brush in it. Used the cup style and the straight for getting into corners. I hit all the painted areas with aircraft stripper then put the wire brush to work. The best thing I have found is to wear a face shield when you are doing this. keeps all the stray wires out of your face...